Curtain-raiser was easily the most reckless thing one had seen people on television get up to in wheelchairs since Jackass

In the end, perhaps we will have to concede, however reluctantly, that the “Murderball” billing is a bit of a false steer — which maybe why the Paralympic authorities settle for the slightly quieter and more responsible-sounding term, “wheelchair rugby”.

That’s not to say the sport isn’t manifestly dangerous, in both principle and practice. Indeed, yesterday afternoon’s competitive curtain-raiser between Great Britain and the US was easily the most reckless thing one had seen people on television get up to in wheelchairs outside certain episodes of Jackass.

It’s true, also, that YouTube will readily furnish you with a complimentary tasting menu